Makerscafe: taking beans to another dimension

A 3D printer at Makerscafe. Photograph:Kristen Batey

New technology and coffee are two of the things Shoreditch does best, and an enterprising new cafe allows its customers to indulge in both simultaneously.

MakersCafe intends to bring 3D printing to the masses. It’s a space that encourages imagination, discussion and the prototyping of ideas whilst drinking coffee from 3D printed cups.

The concept is simple. Grab a coffee from Old Shoreditch Station, take a seat and brainstorm a creative project. After coming up with an idea, you can discuss it with staff who will help make a simple concept a 3D reality there and then.

Have the prototype made on the spot using 3D printing or laser cutting, then take the piece back to the table and continue to discuss, play and collaborate.
The beauty is that anyone from digital whizz kids to novices are welcome. I arrived knowing little about the process, but laser-cutting aficionado Hazim Sami was at hand to explain all.

MakersCafé can provide a consultancy service to get drawings ready for 3D printing and laser cutting or – for those in the know – you can save work as an SDL file on software like SketchUp.

“We wanted to create a sociable environment, where anyone could come in and discuss limitless ideas, opening doors to new possibilities through using our technology.” says Sami.

The team also run regular creative workshops, including an introduction to 3D printing.

MakersCafé
1 Kingsland Road, E2 8DA
www.makerscafe.com